Suspect in crash, beating arrested

STOCKTON - Police arrested a man Thursday who was wanted for beating, stabbing and attempting to shoot a motorist in July following a vehicle collision in south Stockton, authorities said.

Ray Joseph, 19, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a firearm on a person, aggravated mayhem, burglary and other crimes, police said. He is being held without bail at the San Joaquin County Jail, authorities said.

According to police, the victim was driving north on the Highway 99 frontage road near Rose Creek Drive on July 2 when his car was rear-ended by Joseph's vehicle. The victim left his vehicle to exchange information with Joseph, but Joseph ordered the victim to leave, police said.

When the victim insisted they exchange information, Joseph brandished a black revolver, pointed it at the victim and pulled the trigger, but the gun didn't discharge, authorities said. Joseph stabbed the victim repeatedly with a small knife and used the gun to beat him into unconsciousness, police said.

When passing motorists began to stop, Joseph got back into his vehicle, fled west on Rose Creek Drive and crashed into a tree, officers said. He then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, authorities said.